Minneapolis, MN – The results from George Floyd’s second autopsy are in. According to the Atlanta Journal Constitution, attorneys for the Floyd family revealed the 46-year-old man died asphyxia from neck and back compression.
“George died because he needed a breath,” civil rights attorney Ben Crump said during a press conference on Monday afternoon (June 1). “I implore all us to take a breath for justice, to take a breath for peace, to take a breath for our country and to take a breath for George.”
The independent autopsy was performed by renowned forensic medical examiner Dr. Michael Baden who — along with colleague Dr. Allecia Wilson — found the manner Floyd’s death to be a homicide.
“They found] Mr. Floyd’s death was homicide caused by asphyxia caused by neck and back compression that led to a lack blood flow to the brain,” the report reads in part. “Sustained pressure on the right side Mr. Floyd’s carotid artery impeded blood flow to the brain, and weight on his back impeded his ability to breathe.
“The independent examiners found that weight on the back, handcuffs and positioning were contributory factors because they impaired the ability Mr. Floyd’s diaphragm to function. From all the evidence, the doctor said it now appears Mr. Floyd died at the scene.”
Attorney representing George Floyd’s family releases results independent autopsy, which determined that asphyxiation from sustained pressure was the cause death. #GeorgeFloyd pic.twitter.com/vkGh5CGd89
— Ryan Faircloth (@RyanFaircloth) June 1, 2020
The initial autopsy performed by the Hennepin County Medical Examiner Offices stated there was nothing “to support a diagnosis traumatic asphyxia or strangulation.” That autopsy included the effects being restrained, along with underlying health issues and “potential” intoxicants in Floyd’s system.
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There were no other details about intoxicants, and toxicology results are pending. In the original 911 call that prompted ficers to confront Floyd, the caller describes the man suspected paying with counterfeit money as “awfully drunk and he’s not in control himself.”
Dr. Baden performed autopsies on black 18-year-old Michael Brown who was killed by Ferguson, Missouri police in 2014 as well as Eric Garner who was killed the same year at the hands a NYPD police ficer.
Floyd died on May 25 after fired Minnesota police ficer Derek Chauvin placed his knee on Floyd’s neck for over nine minutes. He was arrested and charged with third-degree murder and manslaughter. The other three ficers involved remain free. Attorney General Keith Ellison has taken over the case.